McEvoy forced to retire through injury

Former Kilkenny hurling All Star Brian McEvoy had had his playing career ended after difficulty with an ongoing knee injury.

The 33 year-old, who was a former All-Ireland winner with both club and county, has been forced to quit after 18 months of an on and off knee injury despite numerous treatments and rest on the injury.

"It is sad to have to finish like this," admitted McEvoy.

"I had hoped to get a few more years out of it, but that wont happen now."

The James Stephens clubman underwent several kinds of treatment for the injury, but conceded that an operation, which would involve breaking the leg, at this stage of his life would be too much and there were no other options but retirement.

"The options werent great," said McEvoy.

"I didnt fancy a major operation like that at this stage of my life. I cant train. I cant run so there was only on option really."

Twice an All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny, McEvoy was still hopeful of a few more championships with his club, but accepts that he has got more out of his playing than most players.

"I thought I might sneak another few championships out of it,"

"I have few regrets. I was happy to get as much as I did out of the game. Lads have played twice as long as I have and they have got far less out of it."